This was held during his fifth State of the City Address or “Ulat sa Bayan” attended by thousands of delegates from public and private sectors and local officials in the city.
Santiago said the new San Fernando concept sums up the mission to become a Dream City that is greener, livable, smart, sustainable and socially inclusive.
“This signifies our intent to bring in more dynamism in local governance and a call for the people to know that we are in the height of doing new things,” he added.
The city mayor also cited the top priority projects including the rise of alternate urban centers and construction of a 7-hectare Special Economic Zone in Barangay Calulut.
Through a Comprehensive Land Use Plan, Santiago identified seven growth centers to decongest the existing central business district and enhance other activities in terms of food security, agri-industry, urban-rural linkages and mixeduse development.
“Sa atin, nakikita na ang buong probinsya ng Pampanga ay magiging Megalopolis. Dahil bilang sentro, tayo ang magiging lokasyon ng mga serbisyo. This will require us to take advantage of our proximity at the Clark International Airport and Subic Bay by being an active player in the Golden Triangle,” he said.
He also pointed out the city’s accomplishments for the year 2016 following the 10-point agenda under his administration.
In terms of Education, San Fernando was among the cities that has fully implemented the K-12 program of the National Government.
Fifteen school buildings (84 classrooms) which accommodate 43,200 students were built last year. While, additional 23 classrooms in different public schools were repaired and rehabilitated.The employment rate of the city has also continued to increase through several job fairs conducted yearly.
Mayor EdSa proudly shared that in 2016, a total of 2,317 Fernandinos were hired through referrals, skills registry and job matching initiatives of the city.
Other highlights in his report were the city’s initiatives on public order and safety, health and wellness, infrastructure, environment protection, tourist attraction, good governance, and investment promotions.
Santiago concluded by challenging every Fernandinos to “Think Big, Dream Big, and Work for it.” He also asked the education sector to hone the younger generations to become the face of the new San Fernando by preparing them for life.
“Do things right for the benefit of our children. Sila ang mukha ng bagong Fernandino,” he ended.
– Press Release
